Friday 30 August 2019 - A Short Circuit from Danebridge

 

Anna and Dale's visit provided the opportunity for us to partake in one of our favourite walks, from Danebridge. As usual, click on any picture for a better version.

 

It was late morning on an overcast day by the time we set off from the eponymous bridge, soon passing the Methodist church.

 

 

The path rises gently through woodland of pine trees.

 

 

Soon we emerged into a familiar field with a rock in the middle of it. An erratic? This is the approach to Hangingstone Farm. Can you spot the stone that provides the name?

 

 

Here it is, from the track to the farm, where 'Postman Pat' was busy making deliveries for the Royal Mail.

 

 

Close up, the stone has various placards that have been fastened to it for many years. I've described these, long ago, here, here and here.

 

 

Sue always likes to pose on the edge, with the Roaches and Hen Cloud visible to the left of the picture.

 

 

Shutlingsloe appears as a significant pimple in this next view from just above the Hanging Stone.

 

 

The bilberries seem to be almost over, but the Ling (Heather) is in full bloom just now.

 

 

Anna and Dale found it hard going, as did three mountain bikers who were struggling along the footpath, so it was a relief when a short cut to our planned route to Lud's Church appeared on this sign.

 

 

I've already posted one picture of Lud's Church, here. This next picture was taken from the same spot in the other direction.

 

 

A 'money log' was found near the entrance to the chasm. I don't remember that from previous visits.

 

 

I've written at length about Lud's Church in the past. Learn all about it here.

 

We exited by way of the track to Gradbach that picks up a path, just before a scout campsite*, that leads all the way back to Danebridge beside the River Dane.

 

Some years ago there was a rockfall that I photographed at the time, here. This is what it now looks like.

 

Beyond some rare breed sheep and a lengthy refreshment stop, we passed several trees laden with red berries, no doubt awaiting a hungry flock of migrating birds.
 

 

After that, the path led easily and unerringly back to Danebridge's eponymous bridge, and a visit to the brewery.

 

 

We took nearly four and a half hours over the 10 km walk. You may be able to do it slightly faster...

 

Here's the route we took - there are many possible variations on this theme.

 

 

* As a Boy Scout in the mid 1960s, I camped here with our troop on a week's scout camp. We travelled, along with all our gear, in the back of a furniture van. Those were the days!